Consumer Complaints Spark Urgent Expansion (Image Credits: Foodsafetynews.com)
Ajinomoto Foods North America expanded its recall to encompass almost 37 million pounds of frozen chicken and pork products sold under familiar brand names nationwide.[1][2]
Consumer Complaints Spark Urgent Expansion
The company notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service after receiving multiple reports of glass in its products. Investigators traced the issue to carrots used as an ingredient across various items. This development prompted the March 3, 2026, expansion from an initial February 19 recall.[1]
No illnesses or injuries have surfaced so far. Products remain in some freezers at homes and retailers. The scale underscores the challenges of supply chain contamination in processed foods.
Brands and Products in the Crosshairs
Sixteen specific items fall under this recall, produced from October 21, 2024, to February 26, 2026. Best-by dates range from February 28, 2026, to August 19, 2027. All bear establishment numbers P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971 within the USDA mark of inspection.
Affected brands include:
- Ajinomoto: Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice, Kurobuta Pork Fried Rice, various ramen varieties
- Kroger: Chinese Inspirations Chicken Fried Rice
- Ling Ling: Restaurant Style Fried Rice Yakitori Chicken, Tokyo-Style Ramen Shoyu Chicken and Tonkotsu Chicken
- Tai Pei: Chicken Fried Rice, Ultimate Fried Rice
- Trader Joe’s: Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Shu Mai
Distribution reached retail locations across the United States, with some Ajinomoto products also sent to Canada and Mexico. For the complete list with lot codes, see the USDA product list PDF.[3]
Glass from Carrots Poses Serious Hazard
Authorities pinpointed diced carrots as the probable source of the glass fragments. This vegetable ingredient appeared in ready-to-eat and not-ready-to-eat fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumplings. Contamination risks heighten during preparation or consumption.
Though no adverse health events occurred, ingesting glass could lead to cuts, choking, or internal injuries. The recall classifies as high-risk due to the widespread availability of these convenience foods.[2]
Steps for Consumers and Retailers
Individuals should inspect freezers for matching products and discard them or return to the purchase point. Do not serve or sell these items. Retailers must pull affected stock from shelves immediately.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Do Not | Consume, serve, or sell |
| Do | Throw away or return |
| Contact | Ajinomoto Consumer Affairs: (855) 742-5011 |
For questions, reach USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or visit the full FSIS announcement.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 37 million pounds recalled, mainly fried rice and ramen from five brands.
- Glass likely from contaminated carrots; no illnesses reported.
- Check best-by dates from Feb. 2026 to Aug. 2027 and establishment numbers.
This recall highlights the importance of vigilant supply chain oversight in the frozen food sector. Freezer staples could harbor hidden dangers, so verification saves worry. What do you think about this scale of recall? Tell us in the comments.
